According toDirector of the Thang Long – Hanoi Heritage Preservation Centre Tran Viet Anh,the gate has been repainted yellow, its original colour, since 1998.
The centre alsopreserves archaeological excavation pits, located nearthe gate.
Theconservation work began in December last year, and is scheduled to be completedbefore the traditional Lunar New Year.
Doan Mon,the southern gate, was the main entrance to Cam Thanh (the Forbidden Citadel).The gate was built during the Le dynasty in the 15th century and was laterupgraded in the 19th century.
The U-shaped gate was built with brick and stones and measured 46.5m by 26.5mby 6m. The Doan Mon Gate had five domed doors. The largest one in the middlewas for the king, flanked by two smaller ones, one for mandarins and the otherfor members of the royal family.
The ThangLong Imperial Citadel was recognised as a world heritage site in 2010./.